Request for Information on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants Process, 31735-31738 [2021-12668]

Agencies

• National Aeronautics and Space Administration

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 113 (Tuesday, June 15, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 31735-31738]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-12668]



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NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION

[Document Number NASA-21-038; Docket Number-NASA-2021-0002]


Request for Information on Advancing Racial Equity and Support 
for Underserved Communities in NASA Programs, Contracts and Grants 
Process

AGENCY: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

ACTION: Request for information (RFI).

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SUMMARY: The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is 
issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to receive input from the 
public on NASA's mission directorates' programs, procurements, grants, 
regulations and policies. NASA will use this information to evaluate, 
implement, modify, expand, and streamline its programs, procurements, 
grants, regulations and policies to remove systemic inequitable 
barriers and challenges facing underserved communities. NASA will also 
use advanced research, data collection and technologies to assist in 
inter and intra-agency execution of this Administration's policy to 
advance equity for all, including people of color and others who have 
been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by 
persistent poverty and inequality.

DATES: Comments are requested on or before July 12, 2021. Early 
comments are encouraged. Comments received after this date will be 
considered for future advisory, communicative and outreach efforts to 
the extent practicable.

ADDRESSES: 
     Comments must be identified with the Agency's name and 
Docket Number NASA-2021-0002 and may be sent to NASA via the Federal E-
Rulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments. All public comments received are 
subject to the Freedom of Information Act and will be posted in their 
entirety at https://www.regulations.gov/, including any personal and/or 
business confidential information provided. Do not include any 
information you would not like to be made publicly available.
     Mail: Comments submitted in a manner other than the one 
listed above, including emails or letters sent to OP or OSBP officials 
may not be accepted.
     Hand Delivery: Please note that NASA cannot accept any 
comments that are hand delivered or couriered. In addition, NASA cannot 
accept comments contained on any form of digital media storage devices, 
such as CDs/DVDs and USB drives. If you cannot submit your comment by 
using https://www.regulations.gov, please contact (include regulatory 
POC name, telephone, and address) for alternate instructions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Issues regarding submission or 
questions on this RFI can be sent to Dorice Kenely, Procurement 
Analyst, Office of Procurement at (202) 358-0443 or 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    NASA is issuing this Request for Information (RFI) to receive input 
from the public on NASA's mission directorates' programs, procurements, 
grants, regulations and policies. NASA will use this information to 
evaluate, implement, modify, expand, and streamline its programs, 
procurements, grants, regulations and policies to remove systemic 
inequitable barriers and challenges facing underserved communities. 
NASA will also use advanced research, data collection and technologies 
to assist in inter and intra-agency execution of the President's 
Executive Order 13985, entitled ``Advancing Racial Equity and Support 
for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government'' (Equity 
E.O.), signed by the President on January 20, 2021. Pursuant to the 
Equity E.O. agencies were asked to ``assess whether, and to what 
extent, its programs and policies perpetuate systemic barriers to 
opportunities and benefits for people of color and other underserved 
groups.'' These efforts will help foster NASA's vision to benefit the 
quality of life for all on Earth; NASA's mission to explore, use and 
enable the development of space for human enterprise through research, 
development and transfer of advanced aeronautics, space and related 
technologies, Economic Growth and Security, and Educational Excellence; 
and NASA's goal to enrich our Nation's society and economy with a fair 
and equitable approach.
    NASA seeks this input pursuant to the Equity E.O. to create a 
whole-of-government approach to advance equity for those who have been 
historically underserved and adversely impacted due to systemic 
programmatic and policy inequities. The E.O. requires agencies to 
review existing programs, practices and policies to assess: (1) 
Potential systemic barriers to accessing agencies' benefits and 
services for people of color and other underserved communities and 
individuals; (2) potential systemic barriers that underserved and 
underrepresented communities and individuals may face in agency 
procurement, and contracting, and grant opportunities; (3) whether new 
policies, regulations, or guidance documents may be necessary to 
advance equity in agency actions and programs; and (4) how agencies' 
resources and tools can assist in enhancing equity.
    The Equity E.O. defines the following terms noted below and these 
terms are used throughout this RFI:
     The term ``equity'' means the consistent and systematic 
fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including 
individuals who belong to underserved communities that have been denied 
such treatment, Black, Latino, and Indigenous and Native American 
persons, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other persons of 
color; members of religious minorities; lesbian, gay, bisexual, 
transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons; persons with disabilities; 
persons who live in rural areas; and persons otherwise adversely 
affected by persistent poverty or inequality.
     The term ``underserved communities'' refers to populations 
sharing a particular characteristic, as well as geographic communities, 
that have been systematically denied the full opportunity to 
participate in aspects of economic, social, and civic life, as 
exemplified by the list in the preceding definition of ``equity.''
     The term ``environmental justice,'' referenced in E.O. 
14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad, dated January 
27, 2021, and defined in the White House Environmental Justice Advisory 
Council Final Recommendations to Executive Order 12898 Revisions 
released May 21, 2021, is the just treatment and meaningful involvement 
of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, or 
ability, with respect to the development, implementation, enforcement, 
and evaluation of laws, regulations, programs, policies, practices, and 
activities, that affect human health and the environment. This term 
will also be used throughout this RFI.
    NASA inspires the Nation by advancing understanding of the Earth 
and space sending astronauts and robotic missions to explore the solar 
system and developing new technologies and approaches to improve 
aviation and space activities. Our work benefits Americans and all 
humanity. Today, our Nation's economic prosperity, National security, 
and cultural identity depend on our

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leadership in aeronautics, space exploration, and science. NASA accepts 
the challenge to continue our legacy of achievement and greatly expand 
the benefits we provide to mankind. Descriptions have been provided for 
the following NASA Offices mentioned in this RFI.

II. NASA Offices

    The Office of STEM Engagement delivers tools for young Americans 
and educators to learn and succeed. OSTEM seeks to: (1) Create unique 
opportunities for a diverse set of students to contribute to NASA's 
work in exploration and discovery; (2) Build a diverse future STEM 
workforce by engaging students in authentic learning experiences with 
NASA's people, content and facilities; and (3) Attract diverse groups 
of students to STEM through learning opportunities that spark interest 
and provide connections to NASA's mission and work. For more 
information on OSTEM, see https://www.nasa.gov/stem/about.html.
    The Science Mission Directorate (SMD) expands the frontiers of 
Earth science, heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics. Using 
robotic observatories, explorer craft, ground-based instruments, and a 
peer-reviewed portfolio of sponsored research, SMD seeks knowledge 
about our solar system, the farthest reaches of space and time, and our 
changing Earth. For more information on SMD, see https://science.nasa.gov.
    The Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) develops 
transformative space technologies to enable NASA's future missions. 
NASA's investments in revolutionary, American-made technologies provide 
solutions on Earth and in space. For more information on STMD Programs, 
see https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/.
    The Office Chief Financial Officer, Grants Policy and Compliance 
(GPC) Branch provides leadership and oversight in grants management 
policy and compliance and internal guidance and training to NASA 
Technical Officers, Grant Officers, and the Grants Community 
implementing government-wide and NASA specific regulations for awarding 
and administering grants and cooperative agreements. In Fiscal Year 
2019, NASA issued $1.1 Billion in grants and cooperative agreements. 
Each year NASA issues 1,977 new awards and provides policy guidance and 
instruction for 6,646 awards. For more information on GPC, see https://www.nasa.gov/offices/ocfo/gpc.
    The Office of Procurement (OP) oversees the acquisition process to 
support successful accomplishment of the Agency's current and future 
missions. OP provides policy, oversight, and optimization of 
procurement resources, and supports Mission Directorate acquisition 
strategies to enable more efficient operations for the Agency. For more 
information on OP, see https://www.nasa.gov/office/procurement.
    The Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) at NASA Headquarters 
promotes and integrates all small businesses into the competitive base 
of contractors that pioneer the future of space exploration, scientific 
discovery, and aeronautics research. For more information on OSBP, see 
https://www.nasa.gov/osbp.

III. Discussion of Questions

    To support and achieve the objectives of the Equity E.O., NASA is 
conducting an internal assessment of mission programs and mission 
support programs and is soliciting public input to better understand 
and identify the systemic barriers and challenges facing people of 
color and other underserved communities to access and participate in 
NASA programs, contracts, and grants processes. The information and 
input from this RFI will assist the Agency with addressing gaps in 
equity while utilizing advanced science-based data and transfer 
technologies for environmental protection, climate resiliency and 
environmental justice. The following list of questions and topic areas 
are intended to guide the public in this effort:

Barriers/Gaps to Accessing Current NASA Grants, Programs and 
Procurements

    1. What challenges, issues, or obstacles have been encountered with 
the scientific competition and award implementation processes, 
especially the challenges, issues, or obstacles that impact underserved 
communities?
    2. What are some tools that NASA should consider for purposes of 
increasing access to information related to Notice of Funding 
Opportunities or grant programs to reach communities that are 
historically underserved and underrepresented by NASA and the federal 
government more broadly?
    3. What resources could NASA provide to better assist underserved 
communities with identifying new opportunities to partner with NASA or 
access its grants, programs or data?
    4. What are some of the best practices that NASA could put in place 
to ensure individuals and organizations from underserved communities 
have the necessary access, information, and tools to partner with NASA?
    5. Are NASA Funding Opportunities clear in the description of 
eligibility requirements for underserved communities? If not, how can 
they be improved?
    6. How might NASA better assist individuals and institutions from 
underserved communities in identifying financial assistance 
opportunities funded by NASA that they are eligible to win?
    7. Besides NSPIRES and Grants.gov, where else could financial 
assistance opportunities be posted, advertised, or communicated to 
better reach underserved communities and individuals?
    8. How might NASA improve its financial assistance application 
process to better assist individuals and institutions; what resources 
could NASA provide to assist underserved communities?
    9. Is there a specific NASA regulation, policy, or requirement that 
presents barriers to individuals and institutions that are part of 
underserved communities from identifying or applying for NASA financial 
assistance opportunities or implementing a financial assistance award?
    10. What challenges do NASA financial assistance recipients face 
when developing and implementing policies and procedures that advance 
diversity and inclusion and/or equity for underserved communities?
    11. What resources could NASA provide to assist with the 
development or implementation of policies and procedures that advance 
diversity and inclusion and/or equity for underserved communities?
    12. What challenges do NASA financial assistance recipients face 
regarding compliance with nondiscrimination laws, such as Title VI of 
the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 
1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Age 
Discrimination Act of 1975? What role can NASA play in addressing those 
challenges?
    13. What practical, complex and technologically innovative steps 
that, if implemented, could reduce barriers and challenges perceived or 
encountered by vendors/aspiring contractors when participating in the 
procurement process?
    14. What policies, regulations, or guidance documents should NASA 
add, revise, or remove to advance equity for underserved communities in 
the procurement process?
    15. What barriers do academic, non-profit or philanthropic 
institutions face

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to accessing and using NASA data, science and technology to address 
environmental justice and other equity challenges facing underserved 
communities?
    16. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations 
face in recruiting diverse students from underserved communities to 
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning 
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
    17. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations 
face in retaining diverse students from underserved communities who 
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning 
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?

Opportunities for NASA to Leverage Its Data, Expertise, Missions To 
Help Underserved Communities

    1. How can NASA utilize SMD's scientific competition process to 
develop research and tools that will advance environmental justice, 
support rural, urban, and coastal communities, and address equity 
challenges facing underserved communities?
    2. How can NASA better collaborate with academic research 
institutions, particularly Historically Black Colleges and Universities 
(HBCU), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI), and other Minority Serving 
Institutions (MSI), to advance environmental justice, support rural, 
urban, and coastal communities, and address equity challenges facing 
underserved communities?
    3. What opportunities do you see for NASA research-to advance 
environmental justice, support rural, urban, and coastal communities, 
and address equity challenges facing underserved communities?
    4. How can NASA better collaborate with non-profit and 
philanthropic organizations to advance environmental justice; support 
rural, urban, and coastal communities; and address equity challenges 
facing underserved communities?
    5. How can NASA better collaborate with other federal, state, 
local, regional and Tribal authorities to advance environmental 
justice; support rural, urban, and coastal communities; and address 
equity challenges facing underserved communities?
    6. What types of data are most needed that would assist academic, 
non-profit or philanthropic institutions in advancing environmental 
justice, supporting rural, urban, and coastal communities, and 
addressing equity challenges facing underserved communities?
    7. What types of data are most needed that would assist academic, 
non-profit or philanthropic institutions in advancing environmental 
justice; supporting rural, urban, and coastal communities; and 
addressing equity challenges facing underserved communities?
    8. What other opportunities are there for NASA to leverage its 
data, expertise, and missions to address challenges facing rural, 
urban, and coastal areas; communities of color; persons with 
disabilities; persons otherwise adversely affected by persistent 
poverty or inequality; and other members of underserved communities?

Engagement and Outreach With Organizations and Individuals From 
Underserved Communities

    1. How can the NASA Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) 
improve the effectiveness of its outreach events to include better 
representation and substantive participation from small businesses 
owned or operated by leaders from underserved communities? (virtual and 
in-person)
    2. What can OSBP do to better engage underrepresented communities 
in NASA's outreach and small business events?
    3. How can OSBP improve the OSBP Mobile App in being more effective 
in providing small business information to underrepresented 
communities?
    4. What organizations should NASA partner with to ensure 
underrepresented communities are represented in the awarding of NASA 
grants and cooperative agreements?
    5. What products or outreach materials are most effective in 
reaching underserved or underrepresented communities for grant and 
procurement opportunities?
    6. What mediums would be the best to advertise NASA grants and 
cooperative agreements in order to reach HBCUs, HSIs and other MSIs and 
other institutions focused on advancing racial justice and/or equity 
for underserved communities?
    7. What are some of the workshops/conferences supporting 
underserved communities that could benefit from NASA's presence? What 
types of information would you like to see NASA present at these 
workshops/conferences?
    8. Do you know how to reach a contracting/procurement staff member 
to share your capability statement, and conduct business with NASA?
    9. What is the best way for NASA to reach your members of 
underserved communities when announcing available procurement actions?
    10. How should NASA enhance or change its communication and 
outreach engagements to ensure that members of underserved communities 
are made of aware of procurement opportunities and have a fair 
opportunity to compete for such opportunities?
    11. In addition to our normal modes of publicizing and sharing 
information about our procurements (e.g., Fedbizopps, Industry Days, 
Public Meetings etc.), what other tools should NASA use to share 
information about available procurements to reach a wider audience that 
includes businesses, institutions and individuals not typically engaged 
with NASA?
    12. What professional associations and organizations should NASA 
contact to reach members of underserved communities to provide 
information about available procurement opportunities that align with 
their capabilities and policy and process changes that impact their 
operations?
    13. What resources or avenues can NASA expand upon to bring 
awareness to underrepresented and underserved communities and improve 
their participation and outcomes, including HBCUs and MSIs? For 
example, how might NASA expand participation through the following STMD 
programs:
     NASA maintains a portfolio of patents with commercial 
potential and makes them available to the public through our patent 
license program. Further, NASA's Software Catalog offers hundreds of 
new free software products for a wide variety of technical 
applications. These resources offer the opportunity for entrepreneurs 
to build new products and companies, generating economic impact and 
jobs.
     NASA offers devoted research and development funding to 
small businesses and entrepreneurs through the SBIR/STTR programs, 
which also offer pathways to directed procurements from NASA.
     NASA offers a host of research and development grants to 
universities and other innovators through the Space Technology Research 
(STRG) and NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) programs, which 
engage faculty, students and university research teams.
     NASA makes opportunities available for public 
participation in NASA research and technology solutions to support NASA 
missions and inspire new national aerospace capabilities through the 
Prizes, Challenges and Crowdsourcing Program.
    For more information on other STMD programs, including technology 
transfer, and funding opportunities, see: https://

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www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/home/ and https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/spacetech/solicitations.

Diversity and Equal Opportunity at NASA and in the STEM Community

    1. What strategies should NASA consider in creating more diverse 
and inclusive workforces and what best practices have been established 
to remove or lessen these challenges?
    2. What strategies should NASA consider to ensure opportunity and 
accessibility to particular groups, such as individuals with 
disabilities, or limited English proficient individuals?
    3. What best practices should NASA adopt in conducting outreach to 
members of underserved communities including to enhance employment and 
program participation opportunities?
    4. What diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) 
strategies should NASA implement to broaden the applicant pool of 
historically underrepresented and underserved students in internships 
or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., research 
opportunities, coops, externships)?
    5. What DEIA strategies should NASA implement to increase the 
participation of historically underrepresented and underserved students 
in internships or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., 
research opportunities, coops, externships)?
    6. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations 
face in recruiting diverse students from underserved communities to 
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning 
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
    7. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations 
face in retaining diverse students from underserved communities who 
apply to and participate in internships or similar work-based learning 
experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, externships)?
    8. What DEIA strategies should NASA use to implement virtual 
internships or similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., research 
opportunities, coops, externships)?
    9. What skills and competencies are intentionally being developed 
through internships and similar work-based learning experiences (e.g., 
research opportunities, coops, externships)?
    10. What barriers or challenges do institutions or organizations 
face when collecting data or performing assessments to understand the 
outcomes of DEIA strategy implementation for internships or similar 
work-based learning experiences (e.g., research opportunities, coops, 
externships)?
    11. What types of data collection, analysis, and reporting 
mechanisms should NASA use to assess the effectiveness and outcomes of 
internships or similar work-based learning experiences?
    12. Does your institution or organization have any affinity groups 
or committees to support diverse populations access STEM/internships/
work-based learning experiences? How does your organization or 
institution define diversity?
    13. Does your institution offer any formal training to internship/
work-based learning mentors around biases, anti-racism, or general 
DEIA?

IV. Written Comments

    Written responses should not exceed 20 pages, inclusive of a 1-page 
cover page as described below. Attachments or linked resources or 
documents are not included in the 20-page limit. Please respond 
concisely, in plain language, and in narrative format. You may respond 
to some or all questions listed in the RFI. Please ensure it is clear 
which question you are responding to. You may also include links to 
online material or interactive presentations but please ensure all 
links are publicly available. Each response should include: (1) The 
name of the individual(s) and/or organization responding; (2) policy 
suggestions that your submission and materials support; (3) a brief 
description of the responding individual(s) or organization's mission 
and/or areas of expertise; and (4) a contact for questions or other 
follow-up on your response. Please note that this RFI is a planning 
document and will serve as such. The RFI should not be construed as 
policy, a solicitation for proposals, or an obligation on the part of 
the government. Interested parties who respond to this RFI may be 
contacted for a follow-on strategic agency assessment dialogue, 
discussion, event, crowdsource campaign, or competition.

V. Review of Public Feedback

    NASA will use the public's feedback to help initiate strategic 
plans, consider reforms, and execute reports as required by the Equity 
E.O. NASA will also use the public's feedback to consider reduction of 
administrative burdens more broadly. This notice is issued solely for 
information and program-planning purposes. Public input provided in 
response to this notice does not bind NASA to any further actions, to 
include publishing a formal response or agreement to initiate a 
recommended change. NASA will consider the feedback and make changes or 
process improvements at its sole discretion.
    NASA will continue a dialogue with industry and stakeholders to 
stay connected and engaged on barriers and challenges that impact 
members of the underserved communities. To that end, NASA will hold a 
public meeting on June 29, 2021, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Please 
register at https://www.nasa.gov/mission-equity to hear and participate 
in discussions specifically about the barriers and challenges faced by 
members of underserved communities and recommendations for improving 
our practices and processes to advance racial equity and support 
underserved communities. As we get closer to the date for this event, 
additional information will be provided. Questions may be provided in 
advance; and we will do our best to address all questions during the 
event.

Nanette Smith,
Team Lead, NASA Directives and Regulations.
[FR Doc. 2021-12668 Filed 6-14-21; 8:45 am]
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